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Chapter 2- I think I'm being followed

Reiko couldn't sleep. She had nightmares all night long, of figures following her, which made her twist and turn on her bed. When morning came, her eyes had dark circles under them. She groaned a bit as she got up, and went straight to the bathroom to wash her face, trying to keep her eyes opened.

A knock came to her door, and her brother's head popped out. "Hey sleepy head, you awake yet?" he asked, recieving a groan from inside the bathroom. Reiko then came out, brushing her hair, her brother watched her with wide eyes. "What happened? Didn't you sleep well?" Reiko shook her head. "No…I had nightmares..." she said, grabbing her clothes for the day. Toshio sighed, walking in. "Hey...I can take the day off, they won't mind...I can take care of grandma today and you can go to that museum you wanted to go for awhile." Reiko smiled tiredly and nodded. "Thanks..." and hugged him tightly. Toshio hugged her back, smiling.

"Now run along to get breakfast okay? I made toast." Reiko nodded and walked down, and entering the kitchen. Toshio would never know how happy he had made her. Reiko did not tell him what really happened yesterday, nor did she want to worry him. They watched the news and the reporters said that there was still no confirmation on whether a girl was selected. This made Reiko calm, she hoped that by now Itachi would have let her go, and the search was still on.

Eating her breakfast, she grabbed her bag and walked out, head set to have some fun for the day. The art museum would only open at 12:30pm, and looking at her watch, wich marked 10:59am, she thought 'Maybe I can go to the library to get some more more books...and then stop by the shop to get some more art material...' with her head set, she walked herself to the library.

On her way, Reiko had the slight feeling that someone was watching her. Looking around at the people who walked on the street beside her, she tried to dismiss the paranoid feeling, stating it was just her mind playing tricks. She glanced behind and saw a man, who suspiciously looked like he was following her. But she dismissed it, saying to herself, she was just imagining it all, that the man probably was just walking the way she was.

She walked inside the library, and directed herself to the Art section. Picking up a book about Leonardo Da Vinci - one of her favorite Renaissance artists - and a book on Design, which both would prove to be of great use to her. Checking the books out, she went to the store, and gathered her list for the materials she needed. Reiko smiled as she walked out the store.

Again, the sensation of being watched swept over her. 'What's going on with me? There's nothing to be scared off...' she reassured herself. She looked at her watch, now reading 12:20, she decided it was time to go to the museum.

Making time until the opening, she sat down on a bench, reading one of her books. Noticing movement from the corner of her eye, Reiko watched as a tall man sat down beside her on the bench. Taking a quick look at him, she noticed it was the same man she saw earlier, and now she finally got a good look at him. He was wearing a large jacket, like one of those old tv detective movies, with a black shirt and jeans underneath, with some brown leather shoes. He had a upwards spiky blue hairdo, and Reiko considered him quite ugly, with beady eyes and large mouth. Dismissing the man, she continued reading. But after a couple of minutes, she looked at him again, and saw that he was in fact, watching her. Reiko averted her eyes back to her book, but his stare was getting uncomfortable. Having enough, she closed her book and got up, walking to the entrance of the museum.

Looking back really quick, she noticed the man had followed her! She quickly got inside and ran in between the sea of people that got inside as well. She looked back again to see if the man was still following her, and smiled victorious when he looked around for her, having lost her in between the crowd. She walked as far as she could in the museum, trying to not be seen by him. 'Why is he following me? Is he some kind of pervert?!' she thought to herself, as she looked around to see if he was there, happy to see he wasn't. Making sure he was not around, she could finally appreciate the works of art. She loved looking at paintings from the Renaissance era. She simply felt so amazed about their techniques and inspirations and amazing details, and most of her favorite artists were from that century. Raphael, Miguel Angelo, Leonardo, Donatello…Ahh, she loved the Renaissance. Watching the paintings, she didn't notice the man was still following her, trying not let himself get caught by her again.

Once she had visited and examined every painting in the museum, she headed out, completely forgetting that she was still being followed. Once out, she began humming, feeling extremely happy, that she decided to head out to get something to eat. She walked to the mall, stopping on her way over a shop, watching her favorite jewelry on the window. "Oh how I would love to have those earrings…" she said to herself, looking at a set of small pair of ruby earrings. She wished she had more money to buy them, but they were very expensive. She sighed as she walked away from the window and headed towards the food court.

"Hey Naruto, how are you?" she asked the boy who was attending in the Ichiraku Ramen Restaurant. "Yo Reiko-chan, what can I give you today?" he asked with his trademark smile. "Oh I don't know, why don't you surprise me this time?" she said, smiling. "Hey, if I do, will you go out with me?" he asked, with a sheepish grin on. Reiko rolled her eyes, smirking. "I've told you many times Naruto, I'm too old for you, you're just 16…You should be around girls your own age." Naruto pouted as he placed his arms on the counter, holding his face. "I've tried, but they are all mad, believe it." Reiko laughed softly as he went into the back of the counter and began to fix her her lunch.

After a couple of minutes, he came back with a bowl of ramen, filled with chicken and pasta and her favorite veggies. Reiko's eyes widen, and clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh Naruto, you're simply amazing! I'll give you the tip of your life!" she said and Naruto laughed. "Nah, this one's on me okay? But the next time, I'll definitely take you out!" he said as he disappeared again. Reiko laughed, shaking her head. "Oh that boy will never learn…" and started to dig in on her meal.

Once with her belly was full, she said her good-byes to her friend and walked out. Still feeling quite happy, she said to herself, she deserved a small present. She walked to her favorite clothes shop and began looking at a shirt she had been eyeing for quite awhile. She pulled out a red shirt, with a text saying: "Don't mind me, I'm an Artist" in black letters. She walked to the cash register and payed for her shirt. Happy about her purchase, she finally left the mall around 15:23pm.

As she walked out, she spotted on the corner of her eye, the man still following her. She gasped to herself, and tried to remain calm. 'He's still following me?! What am I going to do?' she thought franticly. "Reiko!" a female voice shouted from afar. Looking to her side, she saw her neighbor, Shizune. "O-Oh, hey Shizune-san, how are you?" Shizune laughed and pated her on the shoulder. "Oh Reiko-chan, you know very well you don't need to call me "Shizune-san"! I've told you that many times!" Reiko sweatdropped and smiled. "S-Sorry about that, force of habit…Hum…Shizune…Could you do me a favor?" she asked. Shizune blinked but smiled. "Sure, what is it?" Reiko came closer and whispered in her ear. "The guy behind me is following me…Can I go to your house? I don't want him to know where I live…" Shizune gasped a bit and looked around, and spotted the guy, leaning against a light post, trying to look normal.

Looking back at her, she smiled. "Sure you can count on me! Let's go!" she said as she grabbed her arm and dragged her back to her home. Hopefully the guy would finally leave her be, knowing she was not alone. They arrived to Shizune's home, which was right next to hers. Opening the door, she let Reiko come inside, and gave one last look outside, making sure if the man was still following her, and walked inside, closing the door behind her.

"Phiu, that was close…" Reiko said, sitting down on the couch. "Why was he following you?" Reiko shrugged. "Beats me. He must be one of those perverts, that stalk women." Shizune toke her coat off and frowned. "You shouldn't talk like that, what if he did something to you? You should have called me!" Reiko rolled her eyes. Shizune was a very sweet and caring woman, but she acted a bit too much like a overly protective mother. "Look, I always stayed on places that were full of people. He didn't have a chance." Shizune rolled her eyes. "I know you can take care of yourself, but I still get worried ya know." Reiko nodded, sighing. "Still, thanks for helping me out." Shizune smiled and nodded. "No problem, being a police woman has it's perks. If the guy ever came close, I'd give him the beating of his life. Want something to drink?"

"A glass of water would be nice." Reiko said, smiling. "A glass of water it is!" and she disappeared into the kitchen. In a minute, she came back with two glasses and sat beside her. "So, how's things back at your place? How is your brother?" Shizune asked, blushing a tiny bit. Reiko knew that Shizune had a crush on her brother ever since they had moved to the house next to hers. "He's still single, if that's what you're worried about." Reiko said with a smirk. Shizune blushed more and fake pouted. "Ha ha…Very funny, you know, someday you'll be calling me "Sister-in-law Shizune"!" she joked and laughed. "Hah! You wish!" both laughed more, and continued to chat through the rest of the afternoon. Looking at the time, Reiko got up. "I better get home, or my bro will flip. Thanks for everything Shizune, I'll see you around sometime!" Reiko said, smiling and grabbing her stuff. "Sure, anytime!" Shizune said, opening the door for her. "Oh wait, let me check if he's still around." she quickly said, looking around to spot anything out of the ordinary. After signaling her the coast was clear, she waved her good bye and stayed by the door, to make sure she went inside with no problems.

The man watched Shizune go back inside, and then came out of the corner he was hiding in. He pulled out a cellphone and dialed a number already in speed dial. "Yes, what did you found Kisame?" Itachi's voice said from the other side of the line. "I think you're going to love to hear about what I'm about to tell you…" Kisame said with a grin.

"Finally you're home, what toke you so long?" Toshio asked, sitting down on the couch. "Oh, I just stopped by Shizune's house on the way. I miss talking to her." Reiko quickly lied. "Shizune-san? Oh…In that case it's okay…" he said, looking away, with Reiko spotting the tiny blush around his face. She smirked. "You know, maybe you two should go out on a date, I know you two like each other." Toshio looked back at her, his blush growing more. "D-Don't be stupid, she's way over my league!" getting up, he quickly tried to flee to his room. But that didn't stop his sister from following him. "No she isn't! She likes you too! Come ooooon! You two are perfect for each other!" she nagged and Toshio groaned. "No! I'm sure she'll say no!" and tried to shut the door at her face. But she stopped it before it closed. "No, I won't give up until you say yes!" she yelled as she came inside, and started to jump on his bed and yelling, on which he had laid down, covering his head with a pillow.

"AAAAAARGH! If I do it, will you STOP jumping on my bed!?" Reiko smiled and nodded, jumping down from the bed. Toshio sighed, but suddenly grabbed her, giving her a noogie on the head. Reiko laughed as she squirmed to get out, tickling him as she did. Toshio laughed and let her go. "That's for nagging me and jumping on my bed ya little devil." Reiko shot him her tongue playfully as she ran away, Toshio running after her, laughing. "I'll get you for that!"

"So what did you fin out?" Itachi asked, sitting on his chair by his expensive desk. "Well, I found out she likes art…Especially all that Renaissance crap…That her favorite color is red and that she's been eyeing some ruby earrings on the mall…Figures…She's a sneaky one she is, I managed to lose her two times. She figured out that I was following her, so she thought she could fool me by going to her neighbors house. I did a small check on her, she's a police woman…I was afraid she'd spot me as well. But everything went according to plan." Itachi smiled, leaning back on his chair. "So…Where does she live?" Kisame chuckled. "What, no "thanks for helping me"? Wow, how considerate of you." Itachi rolled his eyes. "I will not repeat myself Kisame…" Kisame continued.

"She lives on Cherry Blossom Avenue, Apartment 4, door number 8. I hope that helps you with anything." Itachi smirked. "Yes it does Kisame…Yes it does…Expect your payment tomorrow morning." and ended the call. Getting up, he walked to the window. "I've told you I'd find you you sneaky weasel you…" and walked out of his room.

Reiko was reading by dinner time. She had convinced her brother to call Shizune out for a date, and of course, she knew she would say yes. Now she was just making time, when she heard her brother walking down the stairs. "How do I look?" he asked, with a nervous smile. Reiko smiled, examining him. He had on a black leather jacket on, with a dark green t-shirt underneath. He had dark blue jeans on, with some sneakers on. "I'm sure she'll love it, Toshio…Mom and Dad would be proud." Toshio smiled, and hugged her tight. "Thanks sis…" then the doorbell rang. Reiko smiled and walked to the door, opening it, reveling Shizune. She was wearing a dark blue jacket, with a pink top under. She had light blue jeans on, and had blue sandals on. Her hair was neatly brushed and she had some light makeup on.

"W-Wow Shizune you look…Wow…" Toshio stopped at mid phrase, blushing and absorbed by her beauty. "I'll take that as a compliment…" Shizune said, laughing softly. Reiko smiled as she then shouted. "Wait! We need to remember this day! Don't leave, I'll be right back!" and ran up the stairs. Toshio and Shizune blinked, looking at each other and then blushing shyly. Reiko came back down, holding a camera. "This is definitely going to our album! Toshio's first date!" Toshio blushed embarrassedly. "Reiko! Just take the damn photo!" he yelled and Shizune laughed. "It's okay Toshio, I'm happy that I could be your first." Toshio blushed more and smiled nervously. Reiko smiled sneakily and toke the photo. Looking at the small screen, she saw the picture. They looked so happy. "Well off you go you love birds, don't come home early!" she said, pushing them outside. Toshio and Shizune laughed as she wrapped a arm around his and both walked down the street, intended to have some fun.

Reiko smiled, closing the door. She walked back to the living room, sitting back on the couch to resume her reading. After a few minutes, she heard the door getting knocked. "Hum?" she got up. 'Toshio probably forgot his wallet…' she thought as she laughed quietly to herself, and opened the door.

The color of her face drained right there at the spot. "Hello Reiko…You know, it wasn't very nice to run away like that…" Standing on the door way was Itachi, his coat over his shoulder, with arms crossed. "W-What are you doing here?!" Reiko demanded, taking a step backwards. "Coming to get you of course. Now come Reiko, my chauffeur is waiting." Itachi grabbed her arm and started to drag her out. Reiko screamed, and managed to step on his foot, making him let her go. Reiko stepped back inside, frowning at him. "I thought I had made it very clear that I did not want to be apart of any of this! Leave me alone! I won't go anywhere with you not even if my life depended on it! Now go home!" she yelled and tried to slam the door at his face, but Itachi managed to stop it in time.

"I won't leave without you Reiko, even if it means that I have to drag you out. Now come here." Itachi ordered and Reiko shook her head, backing away from him. "Then so be it." Itachi started to walk to her, and Reiko ran inside the kitchen. Itachi followed her but stopped at the door, watching her hold up a big knife. "Now Reiko…Let's not get nasty…I only want you to come with me, that's not asking much…" she could feel her hand shaking as she held on tight to the knife. "D-Don't come any closer!" she threatened, even tho not very convincingly. Itachi walked slowly to her, and surprisingly quick, he ripped the knife from her hands. Reiko yelled in fright, and ran to the other side of the room, trying to make a successful run upstairs. Itachi blocked her path with his body and Reiko ran straight into him. "Why must you be so difficult Reiko?" he asked as he grabbed her hands. Reiko yelled more, and tried to push him away.

Itachi began to drag her to the front door, Reiko trying with all her might to not go along with him. Suddenly, a noise was heard. The sound of a melody rang through their ears, and Itachi looked down at his pants. Still holding onto Reiko's wrists, he pulled her into him, and placed his hand on her mouth, just in case she tried to scream while he talked to the phone. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone. Reiko tried to pull his hand away but in avail. "Yes, what is it?" he spoke to the small device. Reiko watched as his face changed and he frowned, growling into the phone. "Fine! I'll be over there soon!" he then shut the phone's case and looked down at her. "Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to leave this for another time. Father as requested me to come see him urgently…" He then let go of Reiko's mouth, and before she could even move to run from his embrace, he kissed her deeply on the lips.

Reiko's eyes widen, and started to hit him on the chest in an attempt to show she still had some fight left in her. Itachi let her go to breathe, and smirked, watching as she cleaned her lips. "Y-You bastard! Leave my house before I call the cops!" Reiko threathed again and Itachi chuckled. "Okay…I'll leave, for now…" he said as he walked to the front door. Opening it, he looked at her one more time. "You were lucky tonight, sweet Reiko…Because sooner or later I'll will come to take you…and I will use any means to do so…" and with that said, he closed the door behind him. Reiko panted as she walked to the window and watch him disappear by the corner.

The gods were with her that night. But now she was more afraid than anything. If he was capable of doing what he was about to do, what else could he do? Reiko didn't want to think about it. She really did not want to think about. She then remember. 'Grandma!' she thought as she ran up the stairs and opened the door that lead to her grandma's room. She found it impressive she slept during all the screams and fighting. But she sighed in relief. Closing the door, she walked to her room. Falling over her bed and began to sob. She had to tell Toshio, before it was too late. Tomorrow she would tell him. She didn't want to ruin his night. She sobbed until she fell asleep.

Itachi slammed the door shut behind him, sitting on his father's desk. "What do you want father, I was very busy when you called." he demanded. His father had his back over to him, looking out the window. "I heard you have found someone." he simply said as Itachi tensed. How did his father figure it out? "Perhaps…People say all kinds of rumors." Itachi said in a attempt to not arise any suspicion. His father looked at him slowly. "So you are telling me you have not yet found a wife?" Itachi tensed more. He did not want to reveal Reiko's existence just yet. He wanted the right moment to appear before he did that. "Give me a bit of more time. Then you'll know." his father turned to him, a frown on his face. "I've warned you Itachi, if you did not find a wife in a week, you'll be extracted from my will and of any of the company's involvement." Itachi's father never changed as he looked at his father in the eyes.

"I'm very well aware of that father. But I still have two more days. Trust me, by then I'll have a wife." His father sat down on his armchair, and sighed. "Fine. You are dismissed." Itachi nodded and got up, walking out of his father's office. Turning the corner, he bumped into his younger brother Sasuke. "Oh it's you." Sasuke said as he frowned. Itachi looked at him emotionlessly. "Who else would it be?" and walked past him. Sasuke frowned and watched him walk away. "So, did you find her yet?" he asked him. Itachi stopped and looked at him. "What ever do you mean Sasuke?" Sasuke smirked. "Your phone was very easy to intercept you know. I heard your conversation with Kisame."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, say it already. I do not have time for childish games." Sasuke laughed. "I need more money." Itachi rolled his eyes. "Figures you'd ask me that. Fine, how much?" "One million yens." Itachi's eyes widen. "Why do you need that much money?" "I have my own reasons. I don't need to tell you anything. So if you want to buy my silence, you better give me that quantity by the week-end." Sasuke demanded and turned around, continuing his merry way. Itachi growled. "Arrogant brat." he muttered under his breath, walking the opposite way, to his chambers.

Ooooooh, things are getting heated up! Hope you all liked this chapter! Stay tuned for more! R&R please! All comments are appreciated!